Pinecrest student wins ‘Toughest Recruit’ award

PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. — Hernando “Nando” Holdsworth, a freshman at Pinecrest Academy and a member of the General Raymond G. Davis Metro Atlanta Young Marines, was awarded the “Toughest Recruit” Medallion for his effort and attitude during a week at the Marine Corps Training Facility at Parris Island, South Carolina, July 15-19.

Competing against other Young Marines from South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia, Holdsworth achieved the highest performance in three obstacle course challenges the Marines call the “CRUCIBLE.” In addition to winning the “CRUCIBLE,” Holdsworth also won for best attitude, in the face of the many hours of marching and physical training demanded during the week.

He said he hopes to enroll in the ROTC program in college and become an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps.